UPDATE: Econ min sees weak GDP rise in May, stronger in Jun–July

(Adds details in last paragraph)

MOSCOW, Jun 7 (PRIME) -- Russia’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth was weak in May due to holidays but will accelerate in June and July, Economic Development Minister Maxim Oreshkin told PRIME on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday.

“The April figures were quite strong. It is clear there will be some weakness in May because the holidays were longer than usual. Besides, nice GDP figures are possible for June–July,” Oreshkin said.

Oreshkin said that it is too early to give a 2019 forecast because the ministry must see the April–June data and clear harvest estimates.

Presidential aide Andrei Belousov said that he expects the GDP rise to reach about 1.5% in 2019. “I expect that the growth rate will slightly exceed the forecast (of 1.3%) in 2019. I think the growth will reach 1.5%.”

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